Rhinoplasty

Beauty is often measured with regards to balance and symmetry. While many people will talk about the eyes being the window of the soul or speak of beautiful full lips, the most facial prominent feature is often the nose. Why? It’s right there: front and center, drawing attention if too big or oddly shaped while going triumphantly unnoticed if perfectly proportioned.

For people whose noses are too big or too long or too wide or too crooked or too humped, or “too” anything, the nose can set their face just a little bit off. They may feel as if the rest of their face is fine, but the nose – that nose – is awkwardly ruining their complete picture.

Rhinoplasty – nose reshaping – is one of the most commonly performed elective surgeries. Every year thousands of people undergo rhinoplasty. Sometimes it is to create a subtle refinement to the tip off the nose or to make the nostrils less wide. Other times it is to correct length or remove a “hump” on the bridge of the nose. It can also be used to correct breathing problems or to fix a broken nose that has healed incorrectly. Whether an extensive change or just minimal improvement, rhinoplasty can help create a more balanced and proportioned face.

About Rhinoplasty

There are two main methods in Rhinoplasty, called “open” or “closed.” Open Rhinoplasty requires an extra incision (and likewise, an extra scar), but allows the surgeon a better physical view of the inside of the nose. Closed Rhinoplasty requires fewer incisions (so, fewer scars), but does not afford the physical view of the interior of the nose. The type of rhinoplasty performed is typically based on the preference of the surgeon.

Rhinoplasty is a very individualistic procedure, based on your current nose shape as well as the shape and size of your other facial features. In your consultation with Dr. Volshteyn you can discuss your goals and what you would like your nose and face to look like. In turn, you can learn about the best options and shapes for you.

Rhinoplasty is typically performed on an out-patient basis, meaning that there is no need to spend the night in a hospital. The surgery usually requires general anesthesia, but the length of the surgery will depend on the patient’s needs. Most last about two hours. Afterwards you will wear a splint or a cast, but “packing” isn’t very common anymore. Your nose will be swollen for a couple of weeks – it will be the most swollen about three days after the surgery and then will gradually begin to recede. Two months after the surgery you will be able to clearly see how you look with your new nose, with your face continuing to heal (and your nose to become more “refined”) over the course of a year.

Risks and Complications

Some say that if you are going to get Rhinoplasty that you should have it done before you are 40. For some people, once they get past a certain age it can be difficult to adjust to a new nose.

Swelling and bruising are typical for most people following Rhinoplasty surgery. Other risks include broken capillaries, difficulty breathing or “whistling” while breathing, extra mucous (this can last for months) and the temporary loss of smell.

A Time to Heal

Since Rhinoplasty is an out-patient procedure, you will need to have someone drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours after the operation. Your nose will swell and some parts of your face may be bruised – this will peak three days after the surgery and will gradually diminish in the following weeks. Sleeping with your head elevated will help reduce swelling and promote healing. Your nose will be very delicate for several months: it is important to not engage in contact sports or other activities that could harm your nose.

Most people take about two weeks off from work. While the bulk of the swelling will have receded by then, it will still be another few weeks before you will really begin to see your new nose shape and how it looks with your face.

Our bodies heal amazingly, but it is important to realize that the healing process will continue for about a year – slowly you will see more and more definition to your new nose.

Rhinoplasty can bring harmony balance to a face; it can correct incorrect healing from broken noses; and it can help people who have physical problems with breathing to breathe more easily.

Dr. Volshteyn is a board certified Plastic Surgeon, who is specialized in reconstructive and plastic surgery.

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